Soul Catcher

The Soulkeepers #4

by G.P. Ching

Book 4 in The Soulkeepers Series (13+)

Dane Michaels has been to Hell and back and isn't interested in repeating the experience. But as a human caught up in the Soulkeeper's world, his life isn't exactly his own. No one can explain why Dane was allowed through the gates of Eden, but it's changed everything. Now, the only one who can make him feel safe is Ethan, the telekinetic Soulkeeper with a dark past and a heart of gold.

When Malini asks Dane to be part of a mission to find the last Soulkeeper, Cheveyo, more than one team member thinks she's tempting Fate. But Malini suspects Fate has had a hand in Dane's life for some time and that he could be the key to unraveling Lucifer's latest plan of attack.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Fiction, Angels, Supernatural, Science Fiction Fantasy

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

G.P. Ching is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy novels for young adults and not-so-young adults. She bakes wicked cookies, is commonly believed to be raised by wolves, and thinks both the ocean and the North Woods hold magical healing powers.

Reviews

[Aeicha · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you get to the fourth book in a series, it can get quite hard to write helpful, coherent reviews without getting repetitive and spoilery, so I apologize if this review is vague and brief. But, the great thing about reviewing Soul Catcher, the fourth book in G.P. Ching's excellent The Soulkeeper's series, is that I can gush about how this series only gets better and better!

Like books one through three in The Soulkeepers series, Soul Catcher focuses mostly on a select few characters, and in this book Dane is given the chance to really shine. Malini, Jacob, and the other Soulkeepers find themselves continuing to train in Eden, trying to figure out Lucifer's next move, while desperately in search of Cheveyo, a new Soulkeeper who has gone missing. When the Soulkeepers embark on a mission to find Cheveyo, Malini insists that Dane not only be a part of the mission, but is an integral part. Meanwhile, Dane must sort through his confusing and exciting feelings for Ethan, the telekinetic Soulkeeper.

This series and author G.P. Ching continue to amaze and enthrall me! Soul Catcher proves that this series hasn't slowed down or suffered one bit. The angels and demons mythology is still incredibly fresh and captivating, the characters still intrigue and feel like old friends, while Ching's storytelling still rocks!

I've stated in earlier reviews that I love Ching's take on angels and demons, Heaven and Hell, and the humans caught between them, and she really takes her mythology to some unexpected and wild places. What I really appreciate about this series' Good vs Evil premise, is that it's not all black and white, and it certainly isn't cliché. Ching has created a premise that is smartly complex and refreshing, while still being relatable and believable. Like books 1-3, the world-building in Soul Catcher is great. Ching continues to develop and paint the physical worlds of Hell and Eden, while the history of the mythological world is deftly expanded.

I want to mention, like I do in my other reviews of this series, that even though there are different religious elements in these books, they are in no way preachy. The author does not throw any religious beliefs, values, or practices in the faces of readers. To me (a non-religious person), these books are simply awesome supernatural/fantasy reads with intriguing religious aspects.

The storylines, world-building, and storytelling are all fantastic in this series, but it's the characters that really sparkle! And in Soul Catcher Malini, Dane, and Ethan are brought center stage and given a chance to show what layered, lovable, and well-developed characters they are. Malini continues to be such a strong, admirable heroine with so much depth and heart. And Dane! Oh, how far this guy has come, from bully to compassionate hero, and how much I've grown to love him! And Dane and Ethan?! Be still my beating heart...

Ok, I'm gonna get all fangirly here because I ADORE the friendship and blossoming relationship between Dane and Ethan. We see far too little LGBT characters in YA, especially in YA books that aren't contemporaries, so I'm so glad Ching has written about an out and proud gay character (Ethan) and a questioning character (Dane). The genuine friendship and romantic feelings between these two feel so real and breathtaking. I love that Ching has taken the time to effectively explore Dane's confusion and excitement over his questioning sexuality and feelings for Ethan amidst all the supernatural elements and action in Soul Catcher.

And the baddest baddie of them all, Lucifer, continues to be one of my fave characters in this series. I just love what Ching has done with him and how devilishly charismatic and charming she's made him. What can I say? I have a strange fascination with the fallen angel.

Soul Catcher ends in a terrifically cliffhanger-ly way that has me so excited for book five!

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Soul Catcher is an awesome addition to an already superb series! Fans of the series will love where G.P. Ching takes her story and characters, and those just starting the series have a fantastic book four to look forward to. A MUST read book in a MUST read series!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just ok for me. I didn't care for the homosexuality in it.

[Roger Bundridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Ethan...Dane... *deep breath* *deep breath* *screams* *dies from cuteness overload*

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Young Adult Fiction - Plot was better than the writing

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one really upset me. I enjoy the basic storyline and the characters themselves. It is getting a bit repetitive, meaning that they fight Satan and almost die. There are new characters though and new powers.

The most Disturbing part however was the gay aspect of it. I don't believe in introducing this in a YA book, they are too confused as is. I wouldn't even like to read this detailed account in an adult book. I was skipping a lot toward the end. I will not read further in the series.

So, 2 or 3 Stars ?????

[Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was really good and good change for the book series. This book is mostly based off of Dane Michaels and how he get's his Soulkeeper power. Dane feels like an outcast out of all the Soulkeepers because he doesn't have a power, but lives amongst them. Dane has a troubled past and only one person can help him feel apart of the group. This is Ethan and his power is telekinesis. When Dane finds out about his power he feels more welcomed. It's important that Dane got his powers, because it will play a key role in the battle against the watchers and Lucifer.

[Darsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I liked in the first three books of this series appears in this book too.

Great character development: especially liked that Dane got more page space, he was cruical to the story.

Again there is plenty of Soulkeeper action with a fantastic battle to relish but there are also some good quieter moments where the action is more cerebral.
I'll be looking for more books from this author.
FIVE stars.

[Jerreb · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series

Basically the books just keep getting better and better. I'm not sure if it is an improvement on the author's part of that I am more invested in the characters as more of their story is told. Ultimately it doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is that it is a great story.

[Parker Alber · Rating 5 out of 5]

no exaggeration i have read this book probably 15 times (12 of that between the years of 2014-2017)

is it actually a 5 star read? probably not. but it is like an old comforting blanket and therefore i love it

dane is my favorite character from any series ever

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't care about the homosexuality that was brought into the story.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read you all

[Ciara C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book

I love the series. I would love for it to be a movie or show! I think it would be dope!

[Austen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The PC plug for gays ruined this book. Did not help the story arc in any way.

[DeAnna]

amazing!

[Leslie Lanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the first book in the series for free in an Amazon giveaway, and then I proceeded to inhale the rest. Highly recommended for its sincere take on flaming liberal Christianity.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

bought whole series

I’ve bought all the soul catcher series. I’ve really been enjoying these books. They an easy read but I’ve enjoyed the books.

[Penny May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot put down her books. They are mesmerizing. Yes, references to God and Angels, but it's not bothering me. It's a dang good series. Especially from a first time Author. I am so impressed. 👍😁💕

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complete review and awesome GIVEAWAY has been posted on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction.

This book focuses on Dane Michaels, a human who has been thrown in with the Soulkeepers and doesn't quite know how he fits in. But, Malini (the Healer - and therefore leader of the Soulkeepers) senses that Dane is actually key to their latest mission and sends him out, prepared or not. Meanwhile, Dane is also struggling with his feelings for Ethan, the only person who makes him feel safe in his unimaginable circumstances. Is Ethan just a friend or does he feel something more for him? And if he does feel something more, can he accept this revelation about himself?

I felt that the love story in Soul Catcher was actually the most developed relationship in any of the books so far. Perhaps this was because there was actually a realistic barrier between Ethan and Dane - Dane's uneasiness with and indecision about his sexuality rang true and made sense (unlike many relationships in fiction today where the barriers feel manufactured). I also felt that the story was fast-paced and action packed, so I give the book 4/5 stars.

[Phil Purkett jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul Catcher accomplished something that i didn't think it could. It made me care about Dane. Until this book Dane was my least favorite character. But G.P Ching really did a good job showing another side of Dane that we(fans of the series) had not seen. The controversy regarding his new romantic interest, which took nothing away from the plot, was actually a nice addition to the story. We were allowed to step inside Dane's personal life, and Dane did not disappoint.

Similar to the other books in the series, Soul Catcher continued to excite me, keep me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. It is a story of self acceptance,not just for Dane, but for other characters as well.

I wasn't to thrilled about the Harrington Enterprises stuff. Although it didn't take away from the story, it didn't necessarily do much for me personally. But it excelled where it was supposed to and that is with the soulkeepers. They are the root and foundation of this entire series. All of the members are still exciting and tote awesome powers, I can't wait to see them again in the next book.

This isn't the best book in the series, but it is a very good one and worth every penny. READ NOW!4 out of 5

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dane was feeling left-out, he went to hell, came back, made a friend -- and now he's to discover where and to who he belongs. But it won't be an easy journey.

Since I have many snapshots I'll try to keep, at least, the writing spoil-free. Lucifer has a plan, a complex plan, Dane is needed for this plan to work. A heartless plan for that matter. Little is he (Lucifer) aware, nor anyone else, that Dane caries extraordinary cards on his sleeves. Not even himself.

If you were wondering that Dane belongs to the Soulkeepers, you were right. But until we figure out what he is, another Soulkeeper must be found, informed, and fight Lucifer and his gang. You will have tiny glimpses on this person, that honestly you won't care that much for... maybe in the next book?

This book came out of the closet with a bang, had a tiny war with a bang, an ally with a bang; and a more impending ending with a huge blast you might want to grab the next book and figure out what's next.

For the full effect click here
>> Reviews on The Soulkeepers" (book 1), Weaving Destiny (book 2), Return to Eden (book 3) <<

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This is book 4 of The Soulkeepers Series. Staying true to the theme this series has been on, this book focused on only a few characters. In this portion, the Soulkeepers are in Eden training and trying to figure out what Lucifer will do next. Malini feels that Dane plays an important part in the search for the new Soulkeeper that is missing.

This was a great read, one that was very difficult to put down. It had quite a few twists along the way, to keep you engrossed. But, I’m giving it only 4 stars though. Only because the development of Dane’s relationship seemed to move slow. You could see the attraction from the previous novel, so why wait until the end on this one? All in all, a great YA fantasy. If you’re uncomfortable with homosexuality, or don’t want your kids reading it, then this may not be for you.

[Jazmin Quinci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that ching definitely created an interesting series. she really develops her characters with emotions that mirrors real life. for instance, Malini' s tearful response to her responsibilities. here is a protagonist that has the ability to lead with an iron fist and yet never loses her empathy. she shows true sadness and remorse that is both youthful and mature. then her character that struggles with his sexual identity. instead of making a love fest, she details the crisis Dane feels with deciding to admit who he is versus living a lie and hurting the person he loves. then ching goes further by making the soulkeepers diverse. I really respect that these young heroes are tough but also remain youthful. this communicates to young readers that they can be strong and vulnerable but hard times comes to pass, they have to keep faith in themselves and continue to push forward. B+

[Paula Sealey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a big fan of the Soulkeepers series so far, and although I enjoyed this, the fourth adventure, it didn't keep me quite as gripped as the others have.

Dane is the main focus here, and we get to explore his blossoming relationship with Ethan, as well as his new found Soulkeeper powers. We also meet Cheveyo, a new Soulkeeper who is unaware of his powers. I enjoyed his character, and hope it will be expanded upon in future stories.

Although the majority of this story is based in Eden, there is a confrontation with Lucifer towards the end, not quite resolved, which contains the excitement that made the first 3 books so good. I'm looking forward to seeing where the fifth book will take us!

[Luisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed the fourth book of the series. It's a total page turner, a good, fun read. The concept is getting deeper, the ultimate fight against good and evil getting closer, and I'm a big fan of Dane. I think he's really grown in this book, and has found his place among the Soulkeepers. I read in the end of the book that the author got some bad feedback because of the insertion of gay characters in a book with a religious story, but I'm glad she did. I for one became a bigger fan because she didn't step back or feel afraid of the backlash, I think it was an incredible addition to the book, and I really respect her for her courage. I can't wait for the next books in the series! :)

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the series from the beginning. I wasn't sure about this one, because I wasn't a fan of Dane in the beginning of the series. After starting the book, I felt like I was home with the family. I usually don't like too many characters in a book, it is hard to keep them straight, but this series has gradually introduced the characters and I love them all. It was so great to read about them. I even love how she keeps all the characters involved or else has them play a part. The book flows so well, I couldn't put it down. Once again G.P. Ching has written a fantastic book. I am so excited there are more in the works!

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane Michaels has been to Hell and back and isn't interested in repeating the experience. But as a human caught up in the Soulkeeper's world, his life isn't exactly his own. No one can explain why Dane was allowed through the gates of Eden, but it's changed everything. Now, the only one who can make him feel safe is Ethan, the telekinetic Soulkeeper with a dark past and a heart of gold.

When Malini asks Dane to be part of a mission to find the last Soulkeeper, Cheveyo, more than one team member thinks she's tempting Fate. But Malini suspects Fate has had a hand in Dane's life for some time and that he could be the key to unraveling Lucifer's latest plan of attack.

[Berrynana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still don't like the writing style, but I do love the story. When I started reading the series, I thought "Here we go, another preacher here to tell us that God saves Christians and everyone else goes to hell." But this book was slightly more progressive with a coming out story and a little sex thrown in. Hey, there was even alcohol... It didn't make you drunk or anything, but hey! Alcohol!

Yeah.. What's the point of alcohol that doesn't get you drunk? Wait, aren't the soul keepers under aged? Oh yeah, it doesn't make you drunk. So it's okay, right? Right?!

Okay enough rant on alcohol-less alcohol. It was an Okay, if not quick read and this one is all about Ethan.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps thrilling me! Just when I think G.P. Ching has no more surprises to unveil, a new one comes at me out of nowhere. Really enjoy the direction the series is moving in. Dane's character has more depth now and I enjoyed getting to know him better. And Malini is really growing into her power and leadership. I really enjoy watching each soulkeeper grow. Can't wait for the next installment now!

[Chris Valdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many love stories do you need

The main story of the series is in constant battle for time in the book against the side stories of relationships. Every book is half a love drama. Too many times are we waiting and fighting our way through chapters of are we going to be together relationships. All new each book stick to the story fill your book with good story telling and environment
Not just teen angst romance with a adventure story as a back drop